Auburn football opens the 2025 season on August 29 against Baylor in what could be one of the most telling Week 1 matchups in college football. With the nation’s attention split between Colorado–Georgia Tech and Auburn–Baylor, this Friday night showdown is set to answer a critical question: Can Auburn’s elite defense shut down Baylor’s offense, or will Baylor find a way to move the ball?

In this deep dive, we break down the hard numbers from both teams’ 2024 campaigns. Auburn allowed just 21 points per game last season — an impressive feat considering they ranked 120th in time of possession. Despite often being on the field longer than most defenses, Auburn bent but rarely broke. On the flip side, Baylor averaged 34 points per game but struggled against top-tier defenses, often falling well short of their season average.

We discuss why Auburn’s returning defensive line depth, combined with D.J. Durkin’s game planning, could make life difficult for Baylor’s offense. We also explore whether Auburn’s upgraded offensive weapons — Cam Coleman, Eric Singleton Jr., and Jackson Arnold — will be enough to tip the game in the Tigers’ favor.

💬 Comment below: Will Auburn’s defense hold Baylor under 21 points, or will Baylor break through in front of their home crowd?

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